Mumbai man with Rs 13,000 salary gifts 4 BHK apartment to girlfriend

A shocking case of financial fraud has emerged from Maharashtra’s Divisional Sports Complex in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where a 23-year-old contractual computer operator allegedly siphoned off Rs 21.59 crore from government funds.

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The accused, Harshal Kumar Anil Kshirsagar, who earned a modest salary of Rs 13,000 per month, is now on the run, leaving behind a trail of luxury purchases and accomplices under police scrutiny.

How the fraud unfolded 

Harshal orchestrated an audacious scheme where he used an old letterhead of a sports complex to request a change in the email address linked to the institution’s bank account.

Creating a nearly identical email ID with a minor alteration, Harshal gained control over the account by activating its internet banking feature, reports NDTV.

Between July 1 and December 7, 2024, Harshal executed over a dozen transactions, diverting Rs 21.59 crore into 13 different bank accounts. The scheme came to light when a senior sports department official noticed significant financial discrepancies and alerted the authorities.

Extravagant spending spree 

The stolen money financed an extravagant lifestyle that belied Harshal’s humble professional position. He splurged on a Rs 1.2 crore BMW car, a Rs 1.3 crore luxury SUV, and a Rs 32 lakh BMW motorcycle.

Harshal also purchased a 4 BHK apartment near the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport and gifted it to his girlfriend. To further impress her, he allegedly ordered diamond-studded glasses and other gold ornaments.

Police probe

The Economic Offenses Wing of the police has launched an extensive investigation, arresting two of Harshal’s accomplices: his colleague, Yashoda Shetty, and her husband, BK Jeevan.

Luxury vehicles have been seized, and efforts are underway to trace the fleeing Harshal.

“We’ve filed an FIR against three individuals in this case. While two have been arrested, the main accused is still at large. We suspect others may also be involved and are interrogating people associated with the sports complex,” said DCP. Prashant Kadam.